Appointments: I have tried to be fair to all Nigerians – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday faulted the claims of those who have been criticising him over alleged lopsided appointments.

He said contrary to their claims, his administration had ensured even distribution of political appointments to reflect diverse interests across the country regardless of the voting patterns of the 2015 presidential elections.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement made available to journalists, said Buhari spoke while receiving a delegation of Bassa Traditional Rulers and Elites led by, Alhaji Bako Dogwo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President said the Nigerian constitution clearly mapped out the need for representation in every government.

He said he had adhered strictly to the tenets of the law.

Buhari cited the examples of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (Geoffrey Onyeama), Science and Technology (Ogbonnaya Onu), Labour and Employment (Chris Ngige), and Industry, Trade and Investment (Okechukwu Enelamah) who he said emerged from states that he did not record many votes in 2015.

He noted that the ministers were given strong portfolios in the cabinet based on their competence.

“As humanly possible, I have tried to be fair to all. And I am very pleased that in spite of the complaints of technical marginalisation, you have agreed to vote for me in 2019,” he said.

The President assured the delegation that he would look into the issue of poor representation of the Bassa people in government.

“Thank you for all the nice things you have said about me and the administration. I have taken note that you don’t have leadership in any of the parastatals,” he added.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation said Bassa people had consistently voted for the President over the years and will do it again in 2019.

“You are a great asset to Nigeria. The Bassa nation will use all the resources available to us to ensure you are re-elected in 2019,” he said.

The royal father said the President’s effort at securing the country was commendable and urged him to also sustain the anti-corruption war.

“We are happy with your administration, which is all inclusive without discrimination. Keep promoting equality,” he added.

He, however, called on the President to reciprocate the love and affection of the Bassa people, who are spread across Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Niger States, and the FCT, by ensuring that they get fair representation in government.